St. Paul, Minnesota rapper Eyedea has passed away, CNN has confirmed. The artist, born Michael Larsen, was 28. No other details about his passing have been released.

Eyedea, who came to fame as part of the indie label Rhymesayers, was well-known for his tight delivery as well as for holding his own in freestyle battles, such as HBO’s “Blaze Battle” and Ohio’s “Scribble Jam.”

In a statement on the label's website, his mother said, "It is with great pain and sadness that I tell you my son Mikey (Eyedea) has passed away. At this time we kindly request you respect our privacy as we process this devastating loss."

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Aye! Everyone should jus shut up! None of this is true. How he died is not known to the public. His family isint sayin how he died, prob because there not over his death yet. All that is known is he died in his sleep. Shut ya mouths dont spread rumors about Eyedea we will find out when we find out. Im sure his family dosent want everyone thinkin he overdosed or killed himself when its probolly not true. If yall like Mike so much then ya should respect him im sure he wouldnt want all thiese lies blown up all over the cnn website. R EYE P ❤

only met the Eyedea portrayed in the music but nonetheless he affected my view immensly. But as for the Hemingway statement, I would say Vonnegut of hiphop, Hemingway no. Even though comparing him to authors doesn't do him or his words justice.
RIP brother

For everyone who is wondering who Eyedea was, you're saying a lot about your lack of knowledge in hip hop and music in general. You clearly haven't ever gone much deeper than the top 40 rap thats made for 14 year old girls to dance to. Do some research on what real art is and get back to me.

Eyedea was one of a kind. His mom could be looking to these posts as a consolation and people have the audacity to argue about trivial details or who he was. just PLEASE have respect for fans and family who may look to these articles for some comfort. if you didn't know who he was, either look into it or shut up. no one else cares that you don't know and you really aren't recommending yourselves to us, his fans.

he was an awesome person who would take the time to talk to any fan that asked him questions.

I had never heard of him until this article. I watched some of the videos and the guy had incredible skills. It's a shame it took his death for a lot of people to discover his music and his talents. i love lyrically talented rappers, not crap like lil wayne and all that garbage.

RIP Eyedea! You will be missed! I remember watching you catching wreck at Scribble Jam and I remember meeting you at a very small show in Bloomington Indiana. I can't believe it! So much talent. You and yours are in my thoughts!

CNN should really consider not allowing comments when they post an obit on the blog...you're always going to get callous commenters who disrespect the dead and the loved ones they left behind. It's beyond depressing...it should go without saying, it doesn't matter who it is or if it's somebody you've heard of or whatever, just show some simple, human respect. If people are so heartless that they can't do it, then CNN should just disallow comments.

What is wrong with all you people writing hateful comments on here? Or even the "Who?" comments. If you don't know who Eyedea was, don't post anything. You should all be ashamed of yourselves. I only hope that none of his family or close friends see the trash you've written. Eyedea was a truly amazing human being. RIP

Truehater, what a big man you are, wishing death on complete strangers and their families over the Internet. Get a life, a brain, a heart and a clue, and stop trolling for the attention you so desperately need, ass_hole.

saved your life? Really? Did he pull you from a burning car that was about to explode? Did he give you CPR when you were not breathing? Wrestle an alligator that was coming for you?
If he saved your life by simpy singing a song then you must be really F'd up. Go see a psychiatrist because you definitely need one.
As for the rapper? Didn't know him, but it sounds like he was very talented and will be missed by many. Too sad that he had to die so young.

It's sad that someone cannot die without other sad, lonely people having to make fun of them. For all the people saying "Who," why don't you go try to figure out who. There are plenty of talented artists that you don't know about. The way the comments go on here, you would think these people are record producers that "know everyone."
L.A.M.E.

RIP Eyedea. People are jus so ignorant and to be honest i never heard of him myself but he sound like he was a incredible artist and poet. But people show respect to da man and his family. Let dis be said not every rapper who dies were doin any kind of drugs some are good people damn stop bein so insensitive people. Have some respect for da dead.

Mikey's music was his way of trying to help others. He could have gone mainstream a long time ago, but didn't. He cared not for materialism or surface fame. He is important because he helped other people. He didn't make music, it was art. If you need to say something judgmental, I think you should assess yourself before opening your mouth.

the same group of quasi intellectual keyboard artists orchestrate the chorus of boos in every article on cnn. always complaining about something, the value or integrity of the news story as if you are a seasoned journalist, or just illustrating plain ignorance as is this case in disrespecting a deceased artist who has impacted many lives over time. If he didnt have a national and even international impact to people than you wouldnt find notices across boards and news mediums of all sizes and demographics all over the 'net. every artist over time that has garnered great respect and influenced future generations has been one to push the proverbial envelope. he wasnt ready made streamlined and easy to understand. he was a complex individual who shared his insight with us – and true honesty is a rarity in todays music. if not for anything else, have respect for that.

If you dont know who he is look him up. It wont take you long, and it will be worth it. Read his poetry, listen to his words, and see what a gifted man he was. I am not going to sit here and wish it was someone else, but I will say that his talent far out weighs Lil' Wayne, Drake, and pretty much anyone else 'mainstream' who raps.

There is something wrong with those of you on here that are saying such awful things about Eyedea. It's not about you, it's about the tragic loss of such a great entertainer. I feel a great sense of loss this morning, I am a huge fan... I just listened to him this morning on my ride to work. RIP.

I have to agree "Now" is one of the best tracks EVER MADE, hands down, and my fav E&A track off their best album in my opinion. News of his untimely passing is so tragic, I am stunned and heartbroken for his loved ones. Eyedea was one of the best to ever do it. It's obvious from his work that he was so talented and his vision so unique. We were blessed to have him with us...a giant among men. Eyedea is gone but his voice lives on...God bless and rest in peace. E&A forever.

For anyone/everyone who is hating and being disrespectful, knock it off. Respect the man for who he was as a person and what he contributed to the underground hip hop scene in Minneapolis. This isn't a debate about rap. This isn't a place to post rude remarks. Many of you people need to learn to have a heart and stop always thinking about yourselves. If you don't know who he was, then no comments are necessary, unless you are solely expressing sympathy

Josh–in trying to defend the midesterners against being called rednecks you managed to insult EVEERYONE in the south. Just because people live in the south that does not make us a redneck. I live in Georgia currently but I have lived in several southern states and I can tell you that the term "redneck" may have been derived to mean poor southern farmers, but it fits midwesterners just as nicely as you think it fits us. Yes, I can say this because even though I have mainly lived in the south I am in the military so I am constantly around people from different parts of the country. Before you try to spout off your garbage about any race, ethnic group, regional group, etc.– do your research because you just look ignorant.

Man, I don't know what's up with you people but this guy could rap. Not only was he good at it, but he was funny, and made people laugh while he was doing it. He was probably one of the best white rappers cool enough to compete with the african american guys that he put down lyrically because I saw it with my own eyes. Atmosphere knew who he was too, they did gigs together. RIP man.

As a friend of Mikey's, I'm just absolutely disgusted by the rude comments on here. You should be ashamed. Does it really make you feel better about yourselves? It screams desparation to me. Hiding behind a computer screen trolling discussions boards seeking attention at the expense of someone else's pain and heartache. He was an extraordinary human being and a great friend. RIP

Agreed. I know firsthand what it's like when your loved one is in a news article and losers with too much time post TERRIBLE, SICK comments.
RIP Eyedea. This music also affected me during tough times in my life. I only got to see them live once in Colorado Springs, but I'll never forget the alone time I spent with E&A.
I'm sorry you had to even browse the comments. I don't get why anyone would post if they didn't know who someone was, or didn't care. My best wishes to all of Eyedea's family and friends.

"Super insenstive, tasteless and ignorant comment.
Please respect the mourning of his family, friends and our musical community who lost a great poet, storyteller, MC and such inspiration and MEANINGFUL talent."

CNN. I like good humor as much as the next guy. But people come on here. Someone dies, have a little respect.
One does have to wonder why they dont just disable comments on these sites, as 99% of it is just garbage.

To all the people who are talking trash about hip hop, you probably don't have the slightest idea what hip hop is. Lil Wayne and Drake are not hip hop, hip hop culture has music that in turn contains rap, and all these guys can do is rap. Rap does not require soul, hip hop music does.

Listen to Eyedea's Oliver Hart album and look at his words closely. They are remarkably insightful.
Listen to Shadows have Shadows, incredible song. The Dive Part I and Part II are also superb, all of his music was great, and that includes his rock and fusion stuff with Carbon Carousel, Face Candy was great too.

@josh...I totally agree. Minnesota is beautifu! Minneapolis is one of the greatest cities ever. Very sophisiticated! Too bad everyone wants to be rude and name call on a sad day. Lots of hearts are hurting tonight. I am sure you know that Prince is from Minnesota and Bob Dylan.too....I guess we all have our definitions of rednecks don't we..I think it's all very siimple...people that call out negative names simply have low self-esteem. It's too bad they had to make today about themselves instead of the artist that died...the word for today is "diginity"

Eminem is to busy looking at all his platinum records, his oscar, his millions of dollars to even remotely notice this. I am sure that if he hears about it, he would be sad about the loss of human life, but certainly not because of his lyrics.

At some newspapers, including the one in my home town, they disable comments for obits and crime stories b/c they know people will come on and post insensitive and ignorant comments. But at least the dumb comments on this thread are balanced with ones by true fans of the artist. Thanks for posting video, too. I had never heard of him, either, but I respect that he meant so much to his admirers and am willing to give him a listen.

Well a lot of people haven't heard of him. Which is probably close to 98% of the US & 100% of the rest of the world. There are so many so-called "well-known" or "famous" rappers that most people w/ jobs & lives have never & NEVER will hear of. The world doesn not revolve aorund rap or hip-hop, Thank God.

BTW give me Stevie Wonder or the Sugar Hill Gang any day over non-fanous "famous" people who are introduced to the world by dying in the news.

Sad how disrespectful people are to the deceased. To any family or friends of mikey reading through these comments...eyedea was an inspiration in several forms to thousands of people, he was incredible at capturing true human thoughts,feelings and emotions in song. He was also a a gracious performer...when he came off stage he was always so appreciative of any seemingly monotonous compliment. Wish I had the ability to really express to him how much his music inspired me. My thoughts are with everybody hurting from this.

Wow!U know,there r sum seriously disrespectful & rude ppl in this world!I didnt know him,never heard of him but how simple & mindless can u b 2 come on here,@ a time like this & b so disrespectful not only 2 this man(regardless of what he died from or who he saved or sounded like wit his lyrics) but the family thats mourning this lost!Think of how u wud feel if sum 1 did this 2 1 of ur loved 1s!!!!!& then u got the haters on here sayin "why cudnt it b this person or that person?"Thats wuz wrong wit the world now!Quit bashin & wishin wrong on other ppl & step YO game up!!!!!!RIP 2 WHOEVER dude wuz & prayers & condolences 2 his Fam!!!!!!

First off all the people showing disrespect try to remember ur talking about a fellow human. He was someones son, and brother. Second mike was a friend not just to me but to all his fans. I've seen him perform many types of shows from underground, jazz, freestyle to spoken words and it didn't matter if there were 10 people in the crowd or 10000 he gave it his all. He was always down to earth, never thought he was better then anyone and most important he always made music with his soul. I am glad and honored i can say i got to hang with him and talk about life in general. In closing i just want to say put the emcee/poet/dj/producer aside Mike as a person will truly be missed. R.I.P. mikey thank you for all the memories

And you know this how? Do you think he doesn't practice this when he's not in the public eye? Most of the freestyle I hear revolves around the same core subjects, so it's not that difficult to have some rhymes ready to rap on command.

Underground used to mean edgy and different. Now it just means that it's not worth gaining any real mainstream attention.

my rapping & rhyming always had a test, eyedea was one of the best, his lyrics were fly, no other could compare or even tie, its to bad he will no longer play his songs, us rappers will still have to live on.

This sucks sooooo bad... im a underground hiphop artist... one of my main goals was to batte this king of lyrics.... now I will have to wait till I pass... rip eyedea mike.... he was one of the good ones, seriously why couldn't it be lil wayne or drake...... what's next we gonna loose slug aesop del or ace.... we as this hiphop community need to bring real hiphop back...just like eyedea was doing.... rip eyedea

Gotta add Brother Ali to that list too, I'm from a small town in Vermont but I know Minnesota is the home of underground hip hop. Every Rhymesayers show I've ever been to has been one to remember. RIP Eyedea!

I started following your career in 2000 or so, when you first shocked me with your paranormal Ability to symmetrically layer words spontaneously. The word freestyle doesn't do it justice... Interviewed you at Rock the Bells 09 in Maryland. You were incredibly humble and pensive. All the great poets from the past decide...d to combine in one spirit this go round. Your art will live on forever, r.i.p.

I remember watching Scribble Jam videos when I was getting into inde-rap almost ten years ago seeing Eyedea battle and thinking "this kid is gonna do big things", had a chance to meet him at the Key Club in L.A... sucks to hear about someone from your generation passing away so soon.

Best battle lyric ever was during the Blaze Battle when Eyedea's opponent started dancing behind him and he came up with something like "I'm gonna straight rap enhance ya, this mother****** wants to be my backup dancer!" I don't know why that line has stuck with me all these years but I've never seen someone come up with such a great punch line so quickly

Boy there are some morons on this website. You don't like him or don't know him don't post, show some respect. Don't waste your time replying to this with misspellings, incompetence and ignorance, I'm not going to be paying any attention, good luck with life.

A talented man and a talented writer. He was like the Ernest Hemingway of hip-hop. I had the chance to meet him when he did a show in Chicago a few years back, and what I remember most is he didn't treat his fans like fans, he treated them like friends. For anyone that has never heard of him, look up his lyrics before you even listen to his songs, because his writing was second to none in the hip-hop world.

Hey Portaplunk [sic] – Nice that you can neatly wrap up an entire genre so neatly. Shows how mindless you are. Rap and hip hop are not my bag, but I do respect it as an art form and recognize that there are some truly gifted poets and artists in the hip hop world. If you haven't listened to it, then don't comment on it.

Megan, get a grip. I'm sure most people don't know who Eyedea was, considering that he was on an indie label. It's great that his music saved your life (and sad that he's dead, so young), but I don't really understand why you wish it was Drake or Justin Timberlake. Because their mainstream music doesn't suit your taste or didn't save your life, they deserve to die?

Not only was Michael an amazing talent, but he was also very active outside of music. One important thing he tried to raise awareness of was police brutality in the Twin Cities metro area. He will be sorely missed.